STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The company recorded a 13 percent increase in year-over-year revenue and 8 percent growth in the number of corporate and franchised units
April 5, 2016
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom had unprecedented growth in 2015, reporting $254 million in system-wide revenue, up 13 percent over 2014, and 8 percent growth in the number of corporate and franchised units. Additionally, the brand signed franchise agreements in 2015 that brought new restaurants to Joplin, Missouri, and Sioux City, Iowa, according to a company press release.
"We are thrilled with the growth we saw in 2015 and are extremely optimistic that 2016 will be Old Chicago's best year yet," said Mike Mrlik, president of Old Chicago. "Our overall success is largely due ... to our incredibly hard working team of operators, franchisees and Craft Beer Guides across our locations nationwide. As we dive deeper into Old Chicago's 40th anniversary year, our sights are set on propelling the brand's growth and celebrating many more milestones in 2016."
Old Chicago also introduced its concept to six new markets last year: Columbia, South Carolina; Katy Ranch, Texas; Pueblo, Colorado; Sioux City, Iowa; and Joplin and Shoal Creek, Missouri. The brand is on track to develop more than 30 restaurants by 2018.
Franchisee Amro Samy opened the first Old Chicago's locations in Garden City and Manhattan, Kansas, in 2014, and has a third location in development in Salina, Kansas. Samy and his business partner have plans to develop another two restaurants in-market in the coming years.
"[I]t was important to me to align myself with a brand that delivers a seamless customer experience, and I learned very quickly that Old Chicago does just that," Samy said. "Old Chicago not only takes care of its customers, but also provides franchisees with a network of support to help our businesses achieve success. The company's aggressive expansion efforts are a true testament to the strength of Old Chicago's business model, which is supported by nearly two decades of franchise experience. I look forward to growing with this industry leader for many years to come and urge aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of this exciting business opportunity."
This year, Old Chicago plans to develop nearly a dozen new restaurants as part of its growth strategy to open stores in more cities across the country. The brand is targeting growth in markets such as Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tyler and Waco, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Independence, Missouri, among others.
In addition to a focus on expansion, Old Chicago is set to roll out a handful of new initiatives this year that include system-wide online ordering, new beverage offerings and a training program to further enhance the guest experience. The company has already launched its new restaurant prototype — a 5,000 square-foot building with an additional 1,000 to 1,200 square feet of outdoor patio space.
